Mayor Leads Groundbreaking of New Bellevue Library

10/22/2013

Building Will be Nearly Five Times Larger Than Current Library

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Mayor Karl Dean today led the ceremonial groundbreaking for the new Bellevue branch of Nashville Public Library, which at 25,000 square feet will be nearly five times larger than the current building and will include extensive collections for children and youth.

Bellevue will be the city’s first branch library with a separate and dedicated space for “tweens” as part of its collaboration with Bellevue Middle School, which is located next door. Other library features include a separate dedicated space for children, a community room and ample parking with 150 spots.

“The connectivity to Bellevue Middle School is a big plus, and I’m pleased that the city will offer its first tween center at this library branch,” Mayor Dean said. “This facility is being built with the community in mind – from the outdoor features to the updated technology to the emphasis on children and families. Bellevue has waited a long time for this day, and I’m proud the community is getting the kind of library it deserves.”

Outdoor features include a walking path, reading porch and outdoor classroom. The outdoor classroom will feature a public art project symbolic of a “learning tree” to represent the everlasting strength of books.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2014. Mayor Dean included $9.5 million for the library in the FY 2012-13 capital spending plan, which was approved by the Metro Council.

“Libraries are important centers of learning in our community,” said Kent Oliver, director of Nashville Public Library. “At Bellevue, we’re not just building a bigger, modern facility. We’ll also be expanding the collections with more than 22,000 new items, and nearly half of the total collection will serve children and young adults.”

Other features of the new library will include:

Large children’s area with comfortable and age-appropriate seating and places for families to read together. Separate story room for children’s programs with seating for 50 children and 20 adults with convenient stroller parking.